The most important teacher: Our First

This begins a series of blogs on our early teachers who inspired us. It is my hope this will encourage our prospective students and parents to choose carefully, looking carefully at the professional and personal qualities of ORMTA teachers.

From: Jacqueline J.Huffman-Krisza ARCT, B. Mus., M. Ed., RMT

1. Name of the teacher and your age when you began working with this teacher.

Name: Mrs. Myers at age 5. She died suddenly during the first year I was with her. I still treasure a couple of pictures I received from her estate.
Name: Louis Murch at age 10. My sister was allowed to start lessons with him, courtesy of Reginald Godden so I was very honoured to take lessons with him. My Mother always made going for our lessons a special event at the old Conservatory in Hamilton.

2. Subject(s) taught:

Piano ... Mr. Murch tried to teach me theory but that was a horror story…the poor gentleman endured those lessons!

3. What were the one or two major qualities that inspired you most as a young person?

Mrs. Myers - her kindness and genuine caring quality
Mr. Murch - Wow! To me he was a magical musician. He was an amazing concert pianist.

4. Can you briefly describe their teaching method? For example, how did they introduce a subject, plan their lessons, and follow-up?

Introduction - he played the piece flawlessly; in fact, when we started a new grade he would play several of the pieces and encourage me to choose pieces. He always had the final choice. He gave me an interesting historical fact/hook about each piece, and challenged me to present a designated section from memory the following week. There really was not a "plan" that I remember except, minimal directions in my dictation book. Hanon was a must! Czerny sight reading books were encouraged.

5. How did they respond to special requests?

I can't remember ever making requests as I was so busy trying to keep up with assignments plus always trying to avoid scales.
　
7. Where they a permissive teacher or more focused?

Mr. Murch was focused, a gentleman who I respected, yet a friend who I shall always admire.

8. How has they’re example continued to inspire you in adulthood?

He has encouraged me to take the time to listen to my students, encourage them and focus on them as the most important person in the world.

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Postscript: I encourage other teachers to send in their memories, based on the eight questions.
Cheers,
David